An original signed and inscribed envelope written by Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, 1st Duke of Bronte KB (1758-1805) contained within a very fine, untouched early 19th Century scrapbook. The scrapbook belonged to an unknown well-educated lady of considerable social standing and status, due to the numerous fine materials and subjects covered, suggestive of aristocratic pursuits and interests of the period.
The full inscription by Vice-Admiral Nelson reads 'Merton, September Fifth 1805. Dr Fisher, Js College Cambridge'. Below this is his autograph signed 'Nelson &Bronte'. Nelson signed his name in this manner after he was granted the Dukedom of Bronte in 1799 by the Kingdom of Sicily, and there are many examples of exact matches to this signature, including in a 20th Century newspaper cutting that is included with the album. 'Merton' refers to his home, Merton Place, then in Surrey, which he purchased in 1802 on the advice of his mistress, Emma Hamilton. The date is significant as only just over a month before his death at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21st October 1805. There is also a rough pencil drawing on the same page, purporting to also be in Nelson's hand.
The scrapbook itself is an outstandingly fascinating survival, with over 40 leaves, many doubled sided with meticulously cut-out prints, engravings and hand-coloured illustrations. Topics include nationalities, architecture, natural history, classical art, botanical specimens and humourous commentary. Vibrant and highly decorative, the images provided show only a selection of material contained within the album.
The signature and paper itself has some light spots of discolouration, and light vertical creasing. This is likely due to the envelope being previously folded up before being adhered into the album. There is a slight corner crease to the lower left corner of the paper. The album has detached boards and a very worn detached spine. The bindings are partially intact, and pages have wear, creasing and small tears around the edges. In general, each page is bright and clean, with some scattering foxing throughout. Surface discolouration in places. Original tissue leaves are in between many pages, having creases and some tears. Boards are very damaged.
35.1 x 25.8cm (13.8" x 10.2")Sheet: 38 x 56.2cm (15" x 22.1")
Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, 1st Duke of Bronté, KB (29 September 1758 – 21 October 1805) was a British flag officer in the Royal Navy. He was noted for his inspirational leadership, grasp of strategy, and unconventional tactics, which together resulted in a number of decisive British naval victories, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars. He was wounded several times in combat, losing the sight in one eye in Corsica at the age of 36, as well as most of one arm in the unsuccessful attempt to conquer Santa Cruz de Tenerife when 40 years of age. He was shot and killed at the age of 47 during his final victory at the Battle of Trafalgar near the Spanish port city of Cádiz, on the 21st October 1805.
| SKU | ps629 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Horatio Nelson (1758-1805) |
| Date | 1805 |
| Dimensions | 35.1 x 25.8cm |
| Medium | Album |
| Style | Illustration Art |
| Subject | Military |
| Item Returns | This item can be returned |
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